Anti virus/malware software.

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When I bought my iMac, I was told its bullet proof. But I see pop up ads all the time for virus and malware software for Mac. What is the truth?
 

bobtomay

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I would not call it bullet proof, however;

The truth is: we're not trying to sell you something - they are...
 
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When I bought my iMac, I was told its bullet proof. But I see pop up ads all the time for virus and malware software for Mac. What is the truth?

Hello and welcome to the forum! :) Bobtomay has already replied - I was simply going to say NONE! There is an ongoing thread on the topic HERE; also an excellent discussion by one of the mods HERE.

For further reading - Link1 and Link 2. Finally, I'm assuming on your home network that you are 'behind' a router w/ a built-in firewall? Dave :)
 

vansmith

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When I bought my iMac, I was told its bullet proof. But I see pop up ads all the time for virus and malware software for Mac. What is the truth?
A pop-up ad in and of itself is not a virus or malware - it's just a browser window opening when you visit a page.

also an excellent discussion by one of the mods HERE.
Surely you were holding back. I mean, it's a remarkable example of the beauty of the English language. :p
 
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A pop-up ad in and of itself is not a virus or malware -

I don't think that was implied. It seemed to be just a question about why companies would advertise such software for a Mac if it is not needed. If that is indeed the question, then the answer is simple: money. $$

There is other such software also, the ones that claim they will "clean" your hard drive and make it run faster, better, more efficiently, etc. Not only will these applications not butter your toast for you, they won't do anything that's particularly useful.

Most of the sages here recommend the freeware Onyx as the only "maintenance" application you might want to consider using. Even then, your Mac can remain healthy without it.
 

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Like Van said above Popups and PopUnders (Where it pops up under the main browser window) are not Malware.

Is that Popup from MacKeeper by any chance? The last month or more I get that all over the net when they know I have a Mac. One thing for sure, NEVER download Mackeeper. If you want an AV App, for something that will not suck all the CPU cycles away and only check for true Mac Virus's there is ClamXAv. For more complete AV I am told that the Antivir for OSX does well.

I agree with those above that you really do not need an AV but if you want one, try both of those.
 

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pigoo3

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What is this..."Anti-Virus Discussion Day" on Mac-Forums??;)

- Nick
 

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